‘I think top four is probably the best Arsenal fans can hope for’

Former Gunner John Hartson has written off Arsenal’s title chances this season and reckons the north London club would do well to secure a top four finish, according to talkSPORT.

Since Arsene Wenger’s arrival back in 1996, Arsenal have never finished out of the Champions League qualification places – something quite remarkable in itself.

However, Hartson, who had 2 years under Wenger’s management, believes the lack of serious summer spending and the uncertainty over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will see the Gunners slip further behind Manchester United, Chelsea and even mega-rich Manchester City.

The Welshman recently told Stubs and Quinny on talkSPORT:

‘My thoughts on Arsenal are pretty much the same as I thought last season. I didn’t think they had that top, top striker to go and score 25, 30 goals to get Arsenal right in the mix. The Fabregas and Nasri thing is dragging as well.’

‘I do like Arsene Wenger as a person and he’s done well at Arsenal, not in recent years but over the piece he’s been good for the club. But I just feel if they get into the top four with other teams getting as strong as they are, with Manchester City, Man United and Chelsea spending and then you have Tottenam and Liverpool to compete with, I think top four is probably the best Arsenal fans can hope for.’

‘That is not good enough for an Arsenal fan. Arsenal want to be talking about winning titles and things, not finishing in the top four. But I think if they do finish in the top four, it will be a good season for them.’

Personally, I agree with Hartson.

I believe the lack of movement from Arsenal in the market so far is very worrying, especially if we continue to sell our players and not replace them.

To be honest a top four finish would be admirable this season, especially when you have 6 teams competing for a Champions League spot. But, like Hartson stated, Arsenal fans (well most of them anyway) want their club to be competing for trophies and, more importantly, winning them – not just going to the final and blowing it, as we have done in previous seasons.

I believe we do have a chance of winning the Premier League title, but it all depends on who stays and goes and if Wenger is willing to make a few changes to his tactics and transfer policies.